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The Oxblood-lip look isn't fall's only statement-making beauty trend. The season's intense, smoky eyes and technicolor lids call for a softer counterpoint in the form of a neutral lip, a look that's made an easy transition from the runway to red-carpet events like the 2012 Emmy Awards. Having paired eyes smudged in earthy browns with barely there lips at Burberry Prorsum's town-and-country-inspired Fall 2012 show, Burberry Beauty artistic consultant Wendy Rowe knows a thing or two about creating a neutral pout that doesn't come off as corpse-like or dull. ELLE.com turned to the British makeup artist—who also shares her insider tips on her beauty blog, WendyRowe.com—for insight into giving the look a modern twist while keeping those kissers looking, well, kissable. Read on for her tricks of the trade.

ELLE: Any tips for pulling off a neutral lip without looking washed out?

WR: Previously, the neutral lip look was about lips looking pale, almost like foundation. This was more difficult to pull off. Although it looks great in fashion shoots, it can easily make people look washed out in real life. Neutral lips today are an updated version of the trend. There are many options for a neutral lip—peachy nude, pinky nude, taupe nude, etc. People [should] know it's about picking a neutral to suit their skin tone rather than going for the palest shade. It looks much more natural and flattering.

WR: Neutral tones are great for autumn this year—they perfectly complement a stronger autumnal eye, are extremely wearable, and are very on-trend. I am loving the Burberry Mocha Glow Lip Cover. It's a very cool, modern nude that looks quite fashionable, and it's also great for darker skin tones. Rose-toned nudes are also great for autumn—they still complement a darker eye and look very natural yet healthy, emphasizing your natural lip tone.

ELLE: What's the best way to correct any lipstick mistakes, such as going over your natural lip line?

WR: Before you start to apply lipstick, it's important to exfoliate dead skin off the lips—especially if you're applying a strong colour or matte lipstick. Use a lipliner to get a good shape, and if you make mistakes use a wet Q-tip (it must be thin and pointy) with non-oily makeup remover to correct the shape.

ELLE: Besides exfoliating, what other advice do you have for keeping lips smooth and moisturized as winter approaches?

WR: Religiously apply Aquaphor to the lips, especially at night, to keep them hydrated. It works really well on cracked lips too.

ELLE: How about getting lip color to stay put?

WR: Sweeping the mouth with a sheer covering of foundation before applying lipstick will increase the staying power of the color, and it also helps to define the lip line, which makes for easier application of strong shades. To really increase the staying power of a lipstick, blot with a tissue and [sprinkle] loose powder over the tissue after application. This also gives a matte finish to the lips, which is another big trend at the moment.

ELLE: You've worked with some major models. Who has the best lips in the fashion business?

WR: It's difficult to pick the best lips, but I would say both Jourdan Dunn and Doutzen Kroes have great lip shapes that are really symmetrical and full without overpowering their faces.